Note: please see Prices and Departures section for departure dates and voyage lengths.
Day 1 - 8: Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen - Ski & Sail
The Ski & Sail program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who can master skiing techniques in ascent and descent in challenging snow covered alpine terrain. A typical day will involve ski climbs on mountain tops which are in average 700-850 m high and downhill skiing from there (actual accumulated altitude climbed over the course of a day can exceed 1000 m and more). An accurate routing cannot be determined in advance because weather, sea conditions and avalanche situation will influence the final layout of the program which will be in the benefit of all passengers onboard. The map outlines a possible (but not final) route in the greater region Kongsfjorden, Isfjord and Prins Karls Forland. This route plan serves as a rough guide only. The (ski) program and the itinerary of the vessel will be adjusted to the prevailing conditions, thus the daily program may differ considerably from the illustrated directions sketched. The complete program (at sea and on land) is dependent on the local weather, sea ice and snow conditions, the availability of landing sites, encounters with wild animals (polar bears) on land, and the avalanche situation. On board the ship the expedition leader makes the final decision on the necessary program adjustments on the day of the excursion. Flexibility is paramount in expedition cruises. Ski mountaineers bring their own equipment.
